Higher activity waste is the more radioactive waste, which comes from sources such as the nuclear industry, military and medical uses and academic research.
Long-term management
In 2001 a process called the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely(MRWS) programme was initiated with the aim of finding a practicable long-term solution for the UK’s higher activity radioactive wastes that:
- achieved long-term protection of the environment
- did this in an open and transparent way that inspired public confidence
- was based on sound science
- ensured the effective use of public monies.
In October 2006 the recommendations made by the independent Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) were accepted. These were that geological disposal, preceded by safe and secure interim storage, was the best approach for the long-term management of higher activity wastes. The response committed to consulting on a framework for implementing geological disposal as the next stage of the MRWS programme.
The consultation document ‘Managing radioactive waste safely: a framework for implementing geological disposal’ was published in June 2007. This sought views, not only on the technical aspects of developing a disposal facility, but also on how to engage effectively with the communities with a potential interest in hosting the facility.
On 12 June 2008, the subsequent White Paper was published setting out the next steps, including details of the site selection and assessment process. It invited communities who may be interested in hosting a geological disposal facility, to express an interest in beginning discussions, without commitment. To date three local authorities in West Cumbria have expressed an interest in two areas (Copeland and Allerdale). For further information see the West Cumbria MRWS Partnership website.
The Managing Radioactive Waste Safely website provides background and technical information relating to the managing radioactive waste safely white paper. This may be of particular interest to any community wanting to know more about the siting process for a geological disposal facility.